Dublin High School Student Film Festival Celebrated by Overflow Crowd

Dublin High Student Filmmakers

The Center for the Performing Arts & Education was filled beyond capacity on Wednesday evening as the first annual 2015 Dublin High School Film Festival was screened before a wildly enthusiastic crowd. After the 500-seat theatre filled to capacity, additional moviegoers were re-directed to watch the production from the adjacent Green Room.

This is a tremendous accomplishment achieved by Video Production instructor Michael D’Ambrosio. This first-year program has generated a tremendous amount of momentum that will carry over into the 2015-16 academic year with the addition of an Advanced Video Production course. In addition to showing the “Best of the Video Bulletins” from this year, four original student directed films were screened to an enthusiastic audience.

The evening opening with a personal and moving perspective on depression through the first person stories of local teens and their battles with the disease. Two students followed with an uplifting film that provided their perspective on being kind – including surprising complete strangers with gifts and goodwill. A shift into fiction followed with the tale of a teen suffering from hallucinations that take him to harrowing climax. The final film was a moving documentary capturing Dublin teen Camille Chabot’s battle against Hodgkins Lymphoma, crafted by her sister Juliette.

After the screening, a brief Question & Answer period was conducted with the student filmmakers answering questions from the audience. Overall, it was a stunning and memorable night. In advance, it was difficult to believe that some patrons would be asked to watch the proceedings in the Green Room – rather than in the primary theater. It is a testament to how far this program has advanced in a single year.

Additionally, many enjoyed the experience of walking a red carpet just outside of the theater. For all, it was a night to remember.